Rivers wants to play long enough to see new L.A. stadium in 2020

theScore

The end of Philip Rivers' illustrious career is looming, but the star quarterback is hoping to stick around long enough with the Chargers to play in their new stadium in Los Angeles, which is set to open in three years.

Rivers told NFL Network's Rich Eisen that he has no plans to walk away from football anytime soon, despite the move away from San Diego.

"I hope to still be playing football in 2020, and certainly I hope I'm still playing here," Rivers said, according to ESPN's Eric D. Williams. "So yeah, I hope to get to see that stadium then. That's a long way out. I've learned to just take them one year at a time and one game at a time at this point. I'm certainly thankful I've been able to be out there for all of them since 2006.

"I don't take that for granted. And hopefully I'm still playing well enough and we've won enough football games that I will be able to trot out there in 2020 in that new stadium."

Rivers will turn 39 near the end of the 2020 season, and while his physical skills have begun to show signs of decline, his style is suited to a career that extends into his 40s if he wishes.

And while Rivers' loyalty to San Diego means the relocation to L.A. has likely been a tough adjustment, the veteran pivot is excited for a new challenge at this stage of his playing days.

"I really am excited about embracing this chapter, both from an organizational standpoint and then personally in my career," Rivers said. "It's a new market and new fan base. I do think over time, at least it seems like more and more of the fans that we've had that are in San Diego are kind of getting more and more warmed up and excited.

"I've had a bunch of people tell me, 'We're coming up and we'll be up there for a game.' I think if we can get it going we truly can be - and I know the Rams are already up there - but it's kind of Southern California's team right there in L.A."